“Witness”: A Musical Collaboration to Support Palestinian Refugees
Witness (2024) by Connor D'Netto, performed by Jayson Gillham. Artwork by Connor D'Netto.
Naarm/Melbourne-based composer Connor D'Netto and pianist Jayson Gillham join forces in a powerful fundraising initiative
MELBOURNE, Australia - Acclaimed composer Connor D'Netto and renowned pianist Jayson Gillham have announced the release of Witness, a poignant piano piece to raise funds for Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA). This collaborative effort, available now on Bandcamp, represents a unique intersection of artistry and activism, with all proceeds being donated to support Palestinian migrants and refugees in Australia.
Witness, born from a desire to address global injustices, serves as a musical reflection on the importance of bearing witness to worldwide tragedies. D’Netto dedicated the composition to the journalists of Gaza, and explains the inspiration behind the piece:
Connor D'Netto. Website
"I've been thinking about social media a lot recently, how we all are constantly seeing horrific images from around the world, not just from Gaza but from all around the globe, from Ukraine, Congo, Sudan, from school shootings and domestic violence and police violence, it goes on and on. Though our gut reaction might be to look away, we cannot afford to. A friend of mine recently said that they were trying to mentally reframe 'doomscrolling' as 'bearing witness,' and that really resonates with me."
The collaboration between D'Netto and Gillham began earlier this year when Gillham was set to perform at a fundraiser for the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. Although the original performance didn't materialise, the duo decided to record the piece and use it as a vehicle for charitable giving.
"We wanted to look to smaller organisations for whom any funds would make a difference," says D'Netto. "PARA, being a Melbourne-based charity created and run by Palestinian Australians, aligned perfectly with our 'think global, act local' mindset."
Jayson Gillham.
Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA) focuses on helping Palestinian migrants and refugees establish safe, happy, and fulfilling lives in Australia. Their multi-faceted approach includes providing financial aid, resources, and advice for resettlement, as well as advocating for the needs of Palestinian migrants and refugees.
For more information about PARA and their initiatives, visit para.org.au or follow them on Instagram @para.foundation.
The release of Witness was made possible through the generous contributions of several industry professionals. Recording and mixing engineer Pat Telfer and mastering engineer Lawrence English donated their time and services to the project. The track is being released through Room40.
Witness is now available for purchase and streaming on Bandcamp: